Charter an explorer yacht to the world’s most remote islands.

Published 14 June 2023

Charter an explorer yacht and adventure across the world’s most remote islands

Many explorers are helicopter capable, opening up all sorts of possiblities, from heli-skiing to jungle exploration — Many explorers are helicopter capable, opening up all sorts of possibilities, from heli-skiing to jungle exploration

Explorer yacht charters are, by definition, designed to venture further, to push to the ends of the earth, where the world’s most remote islands exist, and beyond. Built to endure rough weather, cover long ranges and do so while keeping guests in the upmost comfort, expedition yachts are a breed unto themself.

Many explorers have huge amounts of toy stowage, which opens up the underwater world

Offering all the luxuries of a typical yacht charter – exceptional service, bespoke itineraries, world-class amenities, food and equipment – the joy of travelling by explorer vessel is the opportunity to go anywhere, at any time. For those who have an appetite for adventure, autonomy at sea is where it’s at.

Easter Island

Easter Island is one of the world’s most remote inhabited island. The nearest neighbours are at Pitcairn, 1,300 miles west, while the Galapagos are a 2,000-mile, 21-day sail north by northeast. The volcanic island, a special territory of Chile, is famed for its nearly 900 monolithic stone statues – the Moais – dating back as early as the 13th century.

Moai overlook Anakena Beach, the best of this volcanic island's two beaches

The oversized human figures stand sentinel, guarding the coast from evil spirits. Trace the footsteps of ancient Polynesians who rowed their wooden outrigger canoes across vast stretches of open sea to Rapa Nui, navigating by the evening stars. Step foot upon carpets of lush, green fertile land, framed by volcanic stone, and known to the island inhabitants as the Navel of the Earth.

The surfing here is good but entry and exit points are few and far between

Galapagos

The Galapagos islands have long been a bucket list destination for charter yachts, with demand far outstripping supply due to the limited number of vessels given permission to cruise in the area. Technically a part of Ecuador, the 19 islands are located approximately 1,000km off continental South America and are characterised by a raft of endemic flora, fauna and wildlife.

June to November is the best time to visit the volcanic archipelago, with the chance to swim with whale sharks and spot the famed giant Galapagos tortoise, marine iguana and blue footed booby. When paired with the accessibility afforded by a yacht, the Darwinian experience is incomparable.

The wildlife everywhere is absolute bucket-list stuff

Raja Ampat

Thousands of rainforested islands and underwater scenery that more than justifies the tag Coral Triangle

Charter an explorer yacht to Indonesia’s archipelago and experience the extraordinary pleasure of diving in Raja Ampat. Hundreds of jungle-covered islands are surrounded by yawning beaches and vibrant coral reefs. On this land, humanity has existed in harmony alongside nature; on Misool Island, ancient rock paintings, on Waigeo Island, the crimson bird of paradise.

Exceptional diving year-round and huge biodiversity in these nutrient-rich waters

Often referred to as the forgotten islands or the last paradise, Raja Ampat is best seen by boat, both motor and sail. Island hop your way through jungle treks, sea turtle rookeries and iridescent pearl farms. Kayak your way across coastal mangroves. Jump aboard a dedicated surf charter. And explore this biodiverse territory in its fullest.

South Georgia Island

King penguins and elephant seals in their thousands share beaches around South Georgia's coast

How to visit South Georgia Island in the South Atlantic Ocean is a question not many people ask. But one they should. The sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia lies 1,000 nautical miles east of Cape Horn. This isolated location gives rise to an abundance of wildlife, from penguins and seals to whales and many species of sea birds. The Great Wandering Albatross nests on the landmass, much of which is covered in alpine mountains and glaciers.

Former whaling ports such as Stromness Bay are ripe for anchoring and exploring

Visiting yachts drop anchor in the sheltered bays and natural harbours to hike the terrain, just as Shackleton did in 1916. His grave can be visited at Grytviken. Nearby, abandoned whaling stations from the early part of last century cast historic context. Tackling the 11 peaks is not for the faint of heart, but the elephant seal and fur seal sightings more than make it worth it, as do the 30 million breeding birds, including seven million penguins.

Cruise up the cobalt-coloured ice melt to the tip of glaciers, like this one in Drygalski Fjord-

Peter Island

To the ends of the earth. Peter I Island is a Norwegian territory in the Bellingshausen Sea, to the west of the Antarctic Peninsula

On an uninhabited volcanic island in the Bellingshausen Sea, icy tundra reigns. Peter I Island is so remote, only around 600 people have stepped foot on it in the past 20 years. It forms one of three Norwegian dependent territories in the Antarctic and Subantarctic, and is defined by its inactive volcano, Lars Christensentoppen, which soars over 1,600m high.

Its remote desolation makes it a key breeding ground for Arctic Tern, above, and Southern Fulmar

The area is a breeding ground for southern fulmars and Arctic terns. The lucky few may even spot the odd Adélie or chinstrap penguin. Discovered in 1821 by Russian explorer Fabian von Bellingshausen, the only sign of human life is the automatic meteorological station installed in 1987.